Trustees approve revised tuition remission for dependents of university employees

The Ball State University Board of Trustees has voted to extend a tuition remission benefit to children of non-custodial parents who are separated or divorced, and approved parameters that encourage on-time graduation.

The remission program for dependents was first approved in 1988, allowing spouses and children of eligible full-time university employees to enroll at a reduced cost. The university previously required that, in order for a dependent to be eligible for the benefit, they be claimed on the employee's federal income tax form. Trustees have now approved an amendment that allows children of eligible employees who are divorced or separated, but not necessarily claimed on the employee's federal income tax form, to claim the benefit

Trustees also voted to change the description of the program from "fee remission" to "tuition remission," which is more widely recognized terminology.

The board approved changing the maximum benefit from 134 credit hours to 134 hours or four academic years, whichever comes first, for students entering as first-time, full-time freshmen. The change is intended to encourage on-time graduation.

In other business, the board voted to maintain registration and permit fees for parking on campus at the same level as last year.

Revenues generated from Ball State vehicle registration and parking fees, and parking fines, provide financing for continued maintenance and improvement of parking facilities and services. These include the campus shuttle bus service, Charlie's Charter, and the Motorist Assistance Program. Parking revenues also fund debt service on bonds issues to fund parking improvements.

In other business, Provost Terry King presented the final draft of the university's strategic plan for 2012-2017, reviewing its goals and metrics, and its alignment with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education's strategic plan, "Reaching Higher, Achieving More."

The board also voted to confer an honorary doctor of laws degree on Scott Dorsey, CEO and co-founder of ExactTarget, an innovative interactive marketing company. Dorsey will be Winter Commencement speaker on Saturday, Dec. 15.